Published 13/11/25
Building Futures: How wienerberger is Supporting Care Leavers into Construction & Manufacturing Careers
This National Care Leavers Month we wanted to spotlight our social impact partnership with National House Project.
At wienerberger, we believe that a sustainable future isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about people. That’s why we’re proud to partner with The National House Project, a charity that opens doors for young care leavers, helping them build connected, fulfilling lives.
Why Care Leavers?
Young people leaving the care system often face significant challenges as they transition into adulthood. Without the safety net of a family, many struggle to adjust to independent living. Accessing employment, education, or housing can be much more difficult. In the eight years after leaving school, 25% of care experienced children in England had never been in employment or education (compared to 4% among all school leavers).
wienerberger has been working with The National House Project since early 2025 as part of our Social Impact Strategy – Moving Forward Together.
Construction & Manufacturing Careers Bursary
We are supporting with bursary monies to provide support for young people to access a wide range of construction careers including plumbing and bricklaying. The funds can be utilised to support with tools, clothing or cost of living expenses.
Since the bursary began it has supported seven young people ranging from funding an electrical training course, obtaining a CSCS card, purchasing painting and decorating tools to set up a business, roofing tools, and support for clothing and equipment to work as a labourer.
Salman, aged 21 from Manchester, benefitted from the fund; “My dream is to own my own electrical company one day and so far, I have been working towards this by completing a course in college…”.
He adds; “I currently support myself and my course fees by working part-time for an electrical company. While this helps, I still have to carefully manage my finances to cover everything. At times, I’ve had to use some of my benefits to contribute toward my fees, which can leave me short for essentials like food and rent. However, I’m committed to completing my training and gaining the qualifications I need to advance in my career” .
Insight into Engineering Day
In October this year we also held an ‘Insight into Engineering’ Day in partnership with MAKEUK at their technology centre in Birmingham.
Young people got the chance to learn more about types of engineering roles across the product lifecycle, tour the centre and take part in hands-on activities before learning about the apprenticeship pathway.
Looking Ahead to 2026 – Employability Programme
In the coming months wienerberger will be working with National House Project on an employability programme to be delivered next year. Listening to young people from Local House Projects in Bury, Manchester, Trafford and Lancashire, the aim is to craft a scheme that works for their needs.
Moving Forward Together
This initiative is part of wienerberger’s broader approach to social impact. By investing in people and communities, we’re not only addressing skills shortages in construction and manufacturing, but we’re also playing our part to build a more inclusive society with opportunities for all.
